The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
All these days have turned these months into a year
And I've been spending every second wishing I could disappear
And I know one day I'll start to speak again
I just need some inspiration I can rightfully defend
But I'm close
When it's hurting bad it only gets worse
I sing for the children of the Earth
I've broken every rule that I've known
Since you told me that I've gotta have passion
Honestly, you've got me all wrong
I am just a boy on my own and looking for some promising action
Tell me what it takes to move on
When I'm gone I can't keep up with what's at home
And I'd love to make it right but there are things I can't control
But I'm close
When it's over tell me when to let go
I'll be the last one to know
When you were at the top of my list
I promised you that this wouldn't happen
How do I begin to explain?
Crimson lipstick permanent kiss
You love me on the back of a napkin
Maybe I should throw it away
Make a move so carefully
Cut me down and let me bleed
And I'll slowly walk away
Now you wanna talk, so fitting
I remember times when you were holding by a thread of a chance
You'll make it out alive, God willing
All you need is time and it's been getting awful close to a year
This is so messed up
But if you give me all your love
Then we'll show angels up above that we can
Make it out alive, God willing
I remember times when you were holding by a thread of a chance
I've broken all the rules that I've known
You told me that I've gotta have passion
Honestly, you've got me all wrong
I am just a boy on my own and looking for some promising action
Tell me what it takes to move on
Make a move so carefully
Cut me down and let me bleed
And I'll slowly walk away.
And I've been spending every second wishing I could disappear
And I know one day I'll start to speak again
I just need some inspiration I can rightfully defend
But I'm close
When it's hurting bad it only gets worse
I sing for the children of the Earth
I've broken every rule that I've known
Since you told me that I've gotta have passion
Honestly, you've got me all wrong
I am just a boy on my own and looking for some promising action
Tell me what it takes to move on
When I'm gone I can't keep up with what's at home
And I'd love to make it right but there are things I can't control
But I'm close
When it's over tell me when to let go
I'll be the last one to know
When you were at the top of my list
I promised you that this wouldn't happen
How do I begin to explain?
Crimson lipstick permanent kiss
You love me on the back of a napkin
Maybe I should throw it away
Make a move so carefully
Cut me down and let me bleed
And I'll slowly walk away
Now you wanna talk, so fitting
I remember times when you were holding by a thread of a chance
You'll make it out alive, God willing
All you need is time and it's been getting awful close to a year
This is so messed up
But if you give me all your love
Then we'll show angels up above that we can
Make it out alive, God willing
I remember times when you were holding by a thread of a chance
I've broken all the rules that I've known
You told me that I've gotta have passion
Honestly, you've got me all wrong
I am just a boy on my own and looking for some promising action
Tell me what it takes to move on
Make a move so carefully
Cut me down and let me bleed
And I'll slowly walk away.
Lyrics submitted by Clockwork00
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so this guy likes this girl a lot, but she-the girl-does not think he is the right kind of guy for her. She thinks he follows all the rules and as the song says she wants him to show passion implying that he is boring and needs to let loose. When she tells him this-what she wants-he goes out and and breaks the rules and claims that he is not who she thinks he is.
i dont know if this is what it really is about. that is just how i put it together in my head and relate it to my life.
Best song off the album. Great album too.
The meaning kinda seems like the whole "always on tour" thingy... using this reference; "When I'm gone I can't keep up with what's at home"
Could be wrong though
Think both people below have the right idea, that the song is about the artist/select member feeling torn between having to work doing what he loves, but wanting to be with the female he's head over heels for. Although he is invested in her, she has her reservations about him not living up to her requirements/standards. He decides to do everything in his power to assure her he is worthy, but he slowly begins to slink away. She then pulls him back, missing the attention (make a move so carefully, cut me down and let me bleed and I'll slowly walk away/ now you wanna talk, so fitting).
Basically, the girl sounds like a bitch, and personally I can relate to this song more than an average person should.